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Finger-wagging response to first tram prang

FOLLOWING this morning’s (March 9) collision between a pedestrian and a tram at the intersection of Cooyong Street and Northbourne Avenue in Civic, Transport Canberra has released a finger-wagging reminder to the “community to be fully aware of light rail vehicles”.

It is the first light-rail accident, but the organisation’s statement did not reflect any particular sympathy for the welfare of the man, who was taken to Canberra Hospital in a stable condition, other than noting he “remained conscious and was not trapped under the light rail vehicle”.

In its unattributed statement, Transport Canberra urges the community “to be safe crossing intersections” and that it is “important for motorists and pedestrians to be aware that light rail vehicles are now running between Gunghalin (sic) and the city”.

“Light rail vehicles are silent, large and travel quickly. It is important that pedestrians and motorists pay attention to their surroundings. If everybody obeys the road rules, particularly around red lights, everyone will be safe,” Transport Canberra says.

“Light rail vehicle movements on the corridor will continue to operate.”

 

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6 Responses to Finger-wagging response to first tram prang

Christopher Emery says: 9 March 2019 at 1:38 pm

If the Light Rail operator is to meet its contractual journey times, the vehicles have to travel at 60 km/hr down Northbourne Ave.

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Len Goodman says: 9 March 2019 at 2:10 pm

Despite Transport Canberra’s inbred comment which lacks understanding and seemingly concern, one can but hope that incident No.1 does not foretell of more to come? However, TC’s response makes it clear about the blinkered approach of Government when it comes to their Labor/Green manifesto – “get out of my way, I’m coming through”!

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Gav says: 11 March 2019 at 9:25 am

Well the pedestrian was at fault for the incident so what do you want them to say? They certainly don’t need to apologise or take any blame.

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Matt says: 11 March 2019 at 10:54 am

Yes Len you’re right I’m sure everyone is hopeful there are no more incidents especially more serious ones, but it’s not a case of our inbred government having a blinkered approach at all. This scenario is exactly the same as any set of traffic lights, you cannot walk out into oncoming traffic without paying attention and expect you’ll be fine. There is no difference here to crossing the roads we have already as there are so many cars that are very efficient and travel almost silently just like the tram, the individual has and always has had a much larger level of responsibility for their own safety than anyone else.

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taninaus says: 11 March 2019 at 10:21 am

The pedestrian crossed on a red signal, was wearing headphones and obviously didn’t look before he crossed, how is this TCCS or the drivers fault?

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Pans says: 11 March 2019 at 7:45 pm

Maybe the red warning lights should be made to flash and some also installed at ground level just at the start of road crossings near a traffic light to warn the people who are oblivious to the oncoming traffic as they listen to music or are engrossed in their phone?

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